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SPG Nerve Block

SPG Nerve Block Treatment in Lubbock

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a new innovation in headache relief, particularly for migraines. We are now proud to offer it at Lubbock Advanced Physical Medicine as a safe and effective way of bringing long-term relief to those who are suffering with chronic headache pain. This is something we know will be a great benefit to our patients, many of whom have been seeking this kind of relief for a while. SPG is one of the best treatments for headache pain available.

What is SPG?

The sphenopalatine ganglion is a bundle of facial nerves that are located deep inside the face, behind the base of the nose. It has been used as a target for treating headache pain for at least a century. The first known use of the sphenopalatine ganglion to treat headaches was in 1908, when a pioneering doctor used mixtures of both cocaine and alcohol and applied them to this nerve bundle to numb it to pain. Other agents known to relieve pain, such s lidocaine, xylocain, and novocaine have been used to numb this area over the decades, as well.

Recently, it was discovered that stimulating the sphenoplatine ganglion achieved a greater and longer lasting degree of pain relief for patients with migraines and cluster headaches than older nerve block techniques. When the placement of the stimulator is accurate and on point, the relief of pain is swift, and lasts a long enough time to give patients a noticeable improvement in quality of life.

The procedure is a simple one, and does not hurt. It is also safer and more affordable than other nerve block methods of relieving headache pain. The technology has been approved by the FDA, and uses the latest and highest quality technical equipment to achieve precise and life-changing results.

SPG Versus Older Methods of Chronic Headache Relief

Older techniques for getting to the ganglion are not as safe or accurate as the SPG nerve block. The transnasal technique, for example, drips a local anesthetic up the nose using a cotton swab. The process takes a long time, and it doesn't have a very good record of success, because it is difficult to actually get the anesthetic on the proper nerves this way.

The lateral approach used a needle to inject anesthetic into the ganglion through the joint of the jaw. The technique is actually quite painful, and had some risks associated with it, such as nerve damage. The success rate is better than intranasal, but not much, and it is expensive, to boot.

The greater palatine forman technique uses the top of the mouth as the access point for delivering anesthetic to the targeted nerves. However, it is both dangerous and painful, so most doctors avoid it in all but the most stubborn cases of chronic headaches.

All of these older techniques never lasted very long, even when they were successful. Patients had to return to have them re-done on a regular basis, which wasn't good for them, their doctors, or their wallets.

What to Do Next to Get Headache Relief In Lubbock

The good news is that you don't have to use any of these outdated, painful, and potentially dangerous methods to cure chronic headaches anymore. You can avail yourself of Lubbock SPG nerve block treatment at Lubbock Advanced Physical Medicine. Simply contact us for a consultation with Dr. Kothmann to see if SPG is the right treatment for you. You'll be glad you did.